Roam Rome

Marco told me a professor of his said this about language.

“Spanish (and underdeveloped language) you can use to speak to family and friends. German (harsh and commanding) you use to speak to a beast. English is for the rest of the world, while French is for your lover. But Italian, Italian you use to speak to God.”

I went to Rome for Pasqua. And it was a spiritual experience as well as a destination for every wanderlust heart.  My plan had been to see Rome for Easter all along. But then my friends decided to come from America on this special Sunday. I thought all was lost, until we together, decided to spend the holy week in the holy city.

Rome has become my favorite city by far. Layers of history can been seen. The newer layer being the capital building, the Spanish steps, The Trevi Fountain. Under this put the Vatican, a truly holy place. And deep below, put the Roman ruins of the Coliseum and Roman Foram.

The Vatican. I am not catholic. I never intend to be catholic. But I really appreciate the history this place has. The smallest country in the world single-handedly protected the worldest farthest spread religion. Christianity. My religion. I come here with an awe. I can actually see the history of the bible in this city. The Romans that crucified Christ lived in this city. They turned to Christianity in this city.

I saw the Pope. During the Via de Cruxifix I saw the Pope light up the faces of the masses. The people that may not  think of religion on an ordinary day of the week  recited the bible and the mass back to the man that may actually be the ‘president of the planet.’ I saw what belief people have, even when they don’t say it daily. This was refreshing.

Then I saw the beautiful ruins of a coliseum. Brown and pink brick lightend by white mortar. A beautiful sight if you are interested in things older than about 2,676 years. (Just a estimate.) The place where wretched things happened to slaves and prisioners for the entertainment of the wealthy. This same place, thousands of years later was dotted with the colors of all the tourist whose breath had been taken away.

I found this city to be more than I expected. Making me desire to stay in the country with the holy language. I found myself defending the country that I adopted to my Native American friends. I couldn’t help but be in love and be the world’s best traveler.

 

So, enjoy my adventure:

 

A Special Day in Cinque Terre

My American friends have arrived. My best friend, actually. I mean, I will be a bridesmaid at her wedding. Which...brings me to the point.

Months before the arrival, speaking to Kari's boyfriend, I found he was deciding to propose. In Italy. How romantic. So, I helped him plan the unexpected, yet completely memorable proposal in Cinque Terre.

And...she said yes. Here is a short video made especially for them. Congratulations, Kari and Dustin!

And to all my travel loving readers...tomorrow, I will go to Rome. To Rome, for the first time.

A Straniero in Alghero

Last weekend I had a great adventure. I was able to go to the island everyone has talked about...Sardegna.

After being escorted to the airport by my favorite man, I flew to Alghero. Here I caught a bus, found my hostel, and called the owner to let me in. He is on the bike, so I will take a lunch first. A lunch on the beach!

Yes the beach!!! The American 20-something tradition of a spring break has made it's way to Italy. I was able to see the best sea in Italy.

Although my plan was to see many sights, I ended up spending four days on the beach, reading/sleeping. What was I reading you ask? Well, Robinson Crusoe, of course. He was on an island, I was on an island.

The sea in Sardegna is green, blue, and clear. With the deep relaxation and peace comes wonderful thoughts. Like:

Hmm...I think I was made to live on a beach.

Oh, that cute kid playing in the sand. I remember when that was fun. It wasn't THAT long ago. I am not yet old.

Man, those waves are pretty constant. They change, but they are the same. I may have moved to Italy, but I am me, and will always be.

With such a perfect setting, I think everything will be ok. Marco will get a job on a beach, and we will live happily ever after. :) (Obviously...)

Then I decide to see the Grotto de Neptuno. I ask the man for a boat ride (in Italian, because I am improving..) nope, closed until next week.

So I will take a bike ride in the national park. I go to rent a bike. Nope, closed on Sundays.

Grotto seen from Alghero

What I spent the weekend doing

Different shades of blue in the water!

 

I learned how well I do on my own speaking in the native language. My Italian really has improved. I have learned how absolutely necessary spring break is. It really does ease the mind, and tan the skin.

I also learned how much I miss the man when he is far away. (More than I thought.)

 

Final opinion of Sardegna....GO PEOPLE! (But maybe not in the low season when nothing is open.)